Entries are now open for the 2010 Catterline Cartie Challenge. 13 places have already been snapped up by last year's competitors, who took advantage of the option to register early, but - for the time being at least - there are still plenty of places left.

The Cartie Challenge is, along with Border Bogies and Cairngorm Soapbox Extreme, forming part of the inaugural Scottish Cartie Association Championships, so as well as competing for the honour and the glory of lifting the Connons Shield, teams can also collect championship points.

Another innovation for this year is the inclusion of the SCA's new Gravity Sidecar class, which will provide a new challenge for competitors and an exciting spectacle for spectators.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a strictly first com first served basis, so don't delay. See the Cartie Challenge page for further details about the rules and how to enter.

The first meeting of the provisionally entitled "Catterline Rowing Club" was held at the Creel Inn last Sunday, and the from the seven people attending, plus offers of support from several others who could not be there on the night, it was clear that there is enough interest to make the project viable. Consequently, it was agreed to go ahead and build a boat!

There is currently nowhere to build the boat - a St Ayles Skiff - but Rob Plummer is planning to demolish and rebuild his barn at Gallaton. In the absence of any other location becoming available before then, the plan is to start building the boat there in Autumn, which would hopefully mean that it could be launched in spring 2011.

In the mean time there is still a lot of preparation to be done and you can follow the progress on the in our Coastal Rowing section. If you are interested in getting involved in this exciting new community project, please get in touch with rob or email rowingskiff@catterline.org.

Are you interested in getting your food hygiene certificate?

This is a very useful qualification for anyone involved in local community events, and the course offers training on the safe handling of food.

If interested, Val Mowat would be keen to hear from you as soon as possible, on the Catterline School Tel No:  750307.

A course is currently planned to be held in the Stonehaven area in the next few weeks but a few more participants are needed in order to make the course viable.

Beautiful hamster for sale (free to a good home). He answers to the name of Smirnoff Ice, Bluey, Hammy and Smurf! He comes with his own cage, motor car and food for a year (longer if necessary). Please phone me if you have the perfect pad for him, as we are fairly desperate.

Phone Anne Marie Rennie 326

There will be an informal meeting to discuss next step in Catterline Coastal Rowing Project in The Creel Inn, Sunday 24th Jan at 8pm. All welcome.

There is an initiative to revive rowing amongst Scottish coastal communities.  In days gone by, there were regular races between communities.  This initiative is encouraging local groups to build their own boat.  How good would it be, to see a Catterline boat racing against other North East communities, with races for youth, elite, ladies and veterans.

Are you interested in bulk buys of tinned tomatoes, flour, rice, lentils, toilet paper, fruit juice and much more? Or sharing part of an order.

The Catterline Food Coop meet on a monthly basis and order from Greencity. The orders are delivered to Catterline for you to collect. Check out the Greencity web site to see what can be ordered.

Interested then contact Mo Howard on : 01569 750906

Canny Act are proud to announce that they will stage their next production "Murder at Barras Hall" on Saturday 6th March in Kinneff Village Hall with performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Seats will be available for Adults £7 and Concessions £5. The performance is not suitable for young children.

The last performance sold out very fast, so don't delay. Tickets can be reserved in advance by emailing murderTickets@catterline.org.

Tickets are also available direct from Frances Crabb at 21 Catterline on 750324.

The village gala team is in urgent need of 3 or more creative, hard working and fun loving people to join them in the Creel Inn over the winter to plan the 2010 Catterline Village Gala.

If you are over 18, have the ability to come up with daft ideas and thrash them into shape with the team over a couple of drinks during the winter..... then coupled with a wee bit of hard work in spring time you could be just the person for us !

Please join us ... contact the gala team now using the email or phone numbers on the gala contacts page .....

It can't happen without YOU  !

.....Honestly ...It Can't......

The teams that took part in last year's Catterline Cartie Challenge have been invited to enter the 2010 event, and entries from new teams will be accepted from the 7th February. 

If you took part last year and have not yet received your entry form, please get in touch and we'll email it out to you.

There will be a few new features this year, including a radar speed gun to get everyone's top speed as they cross the finish line, and a brand new class for those wanting to try something a little different - Gravity Sidecar!